At last after 31 years! I finally understand & can fix how the original installer crossed wires in the basement 3-way switches controlling 4 lights fixtures. THANK YOU SPARKY!!
I watched at least 10 videos on how to wire a three way switch. None could address the problem I had. Then I watched yours, and for me it was the continuity test that identified my red and black traveler wires! I performed the test exactly as you showed it and the nightmare is finally over! 🙂 Thank you so much!!
I've always had problems with the 3 ways, but your tutorial is the most logical and comprehensive, because of the tools you use and the logical explanation, you have a new subscriber.
Thank you so much for these clear and easy-to-understand instructions! My house had FOUR three-way switch setups that were all wired wrong and I fixed them all with your help. Finally, the lights go on and off like they're supposed to!
Watched 5 or 6 videos couldn’t figure it out and stumbled upon this one after giving up for a couple weeks. You explained everything perfectly. Thank you sir!
Thank you Sparky. I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. I was able to follow along, find the line wire, test for continuity of the travelers and then isolate the load wire. Turned on the power and it works!
This was the RIGHT way to teach this, i fixed 3 in one day thanks to this video and advice to just pull all the wires out and start marking them. One thing I don't agree with you about ---because of the cost - - is your recommendation to buy that expensive "Hot" detector pen. Instead, just use a Multimeter set on the 200 AC voltage detection setting, and affix one lead on ground wire - while you touch the other lead on all the black wires till you find power coming through. Thats LINE. No need to buy an expensive pen to use once in your lifetime.
I battled with replacing my 3 way switches for several hours before stumbling on this page. Not only did I fix the problem, but I learned some really food information on electrical wiring. This was a great tutorial!! I’m now a faithful subscriber!!
Thanks Sparky! To anyone confused, just ignore the colors and follow the steps I just fixed my long-standing problem (5+ years) by following this excellent guide I had red/black/brown wires on one side and yellow/black/white on the other. In my case, the red was line and the yellow was load.
Love how he made himself chuckle at the end testing/ playing with the switches. I have been studying this for weeks and he explained it better than anyone or thing. The “why” of it all is so helpful
I always had trouble figuring out how to fix a miss-wire in a 3-way switch, until now! Thank you Sparky. This is a great video and your demo was set up beautifully. I rewired 4 3-way switches for a customer today that hadn’t worked correctly for over 2 years. She was so happy. I feel like a big boy now. Thumbs up to you.
Nice step-by-step video. 41 years ago, an electrician taught me to find the line wire as you did with a meter or now a non-voltage tester. Here is the difference at this point... install the load wire to the load side of the switch the the two travelers, one each to each screw on the switch. With the other wires separated apart in the other box, now turn on the power and use a meter, one lead to ground and then touch the other lead to each of the wires one at a time while turning on and off the other line switch to find the two traveler wires with the remaining black wire being the load wire. You can do this test quicker by using a non-voltage tester to get the same results.
Sparky always makes it look so easy and he explains in details as I am a detail-oriented individual. I always come back to refresh my trouble-shooting skill on 3-way switches after I haven't done a 3-way in a long time or when I have to fix a wrongly wired 3-way...
Best advice I heard to date and I am deeply appreciative! Take all wires off! Get rid of the problem, take all the wire off and start fresh. Spent a whole lot of time and your technique made a huge savings. Thank You!
Even though I already knew how to do this, the video is so well done and explained I subscribed. There’s nothing better than an experienced tradesman explaining a process clearly and patiently. Thanks for representing!
Your guide is straight forward and easy for me to understand. I did cabling wrong in the first place, had no clue to fix it. Thanks so much, you are the life saver! So relived now.
Clear, concise, no stupid background music, and all my questions answered. This video, along with one I watched on how to replace the capacitor in a solar watch, are the two finest DIY/tech videos I’ve seen on TH-cam. Nice job!
I have a simple set of rules: When Bill posts a video, I watch and while I am watching I take notes. I do not care how many years I have done this kind of work, I always consider myself a student. Bill is a wonderful teacher. :)
Thank you! I bought a townhome that had a 3 way light switch on one end that someone hooked up mistakenly a single pole light switch on the other side! On the 3-way outlet side one of the wires was totally corroded! I watched some of your videos and was able to take all the wires out, use the voltage meter to see which one was "hot," and then I got a continuity tester and tested to see which were the traveler wires on the other end. I replaced both the switches and then like magic it works! I have never worked with electricity before but was able to learn to do this repair watching yours and several other videos. Super exciting!
No doubt the best electrical teacher anywhere. Just so well explained. If you did not have a multimeter and you identified the line wire. The traveler wires should be easy to identify by looking into box and seeing that the red traveller wire has associated with it a black traveler wire that way you can through process of elimination identify the black load wire.
Bill your video was excellent. I wanted to install a 3 way smart switch however my 3 way was installed incorrectly. Per your instructions I removed all wires and started to identify the travelers, line and load. The process was perfect. I was able to successfully identify the travelers, line and load and installed the new smart switch. Thank you for your instruction. I have subscribed and look forward to future videos.
Fantastic! Great job Bob! I have made another video on the subject because viewers were asking me to add a diagram. You might enjoy it as well: How to Fix 3-Way Switch Systems with Diagrams Included: th-cam.com/video/Ya08ZPbm_Y0/w-d-xo.html
Wow, what a great video. Complete and fully explained. This is exactly the problem I face after some handymen came and scrambled up the 3-way wiring. Now fixing it should be a breeze.
Okay, Believe it or not, I got this, in terms of how the switches are wired. Perfect explanation, and excellent visuals. Having seen the "How to wire a three-way switch system, this makes perfect sense. Thanks!!
Another timeless video for the library, Bill, thank you. I also watch all of your "Can you find the code violations" video quizzes frequently to keep sharp so I am starting to be conditioned to looking for things as I go (thanks for that as well). I did spot a discrepancy in this video. You have the shepherd's hook on the left switch mounted CCW on the ground terminal screw. Not a code violation and definitely not a problem for the circuit. I just wanted to share with you how keen many of us have become to minding the details in each and every project. Thank you for that! Looking forward to the next lesson, Sparky :)
This is the ONLY and PROPER procedure for determining the travelers, known as a "loop back" as well as the line and load. There are several other internet methods that I have seen, all of which recommend energizing the circuit a 2nd time after jumpering particular conductors. Doing so adds a 2nd layer of danger, were the user to inadvertently become part of that path.
simply the best video i've seen! been dealing with a faulty wired 3 way for over a year since we bought our condo. your explanation was simple! the trick on isolating the travelers was the key! that and your explanation on the line/ load screws on the switches. PERFECT! God bless you sir!!!
Another problem seen with 3 way circuits is that installers run 12/2 with ground instead of 12/3 for the travellers and pick up a neutral on the load end from another circuit in a ganged switch. This causes hot neutral problems when working on either of the two circuits. The tell-tale after drywall is up (usually during a reno or addition) is the capped neutral in the line entry side switch. Your video is quite clear and makes sense since you've labelled the romex with a Sharpie. It would have made us work harder to gain a cognitive understanding if we couldn't see the wiring, and drywall was installed; as would be the case on a service call, or punchlist, and we had to do a schematic circuit analysis. It could be simply my learning style or experience level. I work on much more complex systems (I'm an elevator repairman) and I need to see a schematic first. Just Food for thought. Thank you for your informative videos! Great channel!!
Thanks for your teaching personality. I’ve been struggling with this for a couple of days and just could not understand how it works. But I followed your explanation and now it’s working !! You made it so much easier to follow. Thanks again
Best troubleshooting video I've ever seen and super clear in explanation. As always, I can always count on Sparky Channel videos when I ran into a problem. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Amazing explanation. I personally always flip the travelers on one of the switches. I like both switches down or both switches up when the light is off; and when the light is on the two switches will be opposite.
This is without a doubt the simplest and most commonly used 3 way configuration today, although several variations exist and may have been used to save wire. In homes pre-1950s particularly farmhouses with a yardlight between the house and outbuilding controlled by 3 way switches with power on both sides using only 3 wires in between, or a single conductor overhead from the house and outbuilding to the light with the switches fed by two different circuits/panels, they would connect the hot and neutral to the travellers where they can then jump to other receptacles, etc and the light is switched on the commons, the light is turns on when it gets a hot and neutral, turns off when it gets two neutrals or two hots on the same phase. I ran across this a while back on a farmhouse wired in the late 1940s when electricity became available to the property.
This is an absolutely excellent explanation for diagnosing and correcting the wiring errors that can make the three way circuit not function. Clear directions for testing for live and travelers were the solutions to my partially functioning circuit. Thank you Sparky.
Huge Thankyou Sparky, Ive been struggling with replacing/updating light switches on one 3 way circuit. With your video and your technique I was able to fix this once and for all. Nicely Done!!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MY ANGEL!! I have never done anything with electrical switches or outlets (afraid to but have a problem and no money or anyone else to help me). I have had so much trouble and pretty serious and dangerous situtions and recently an electrical business came in and rewired most of my small old 1970 trailer by running wires thru conduit and the metal boxes that stick out from the wall (they could not access underneath or thru the walls) and there have been a lot of problems since then and there is a dispute between us so they are not coming back to fix what needs fixing and so far I still owe them a lot of money....with that being said... they put in a 3- way switch for a kitchen ceiling light and well within a month increasingly I would try to turn off the light and it would pop back on right away and it takes a lot time of continuous hitting the switch with different timing to make it go off and stay off (it is the rectangular one with the square at the top and bottom to operate it and sorry I don't know all the proper terms), anyway, I am hoping it is a simple fix that I can do like what you showed here. Have ANY others ideas or suggestions if I am wrong, I would really appreciate them. THANK YOU! LOVE HOW YOU SHOW AND EXPLAIN AND MAKE IT CLEAR AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND!!
Thank you, thank you... THANK YOU! My elusive three way switch problem is in the rear view mirror. Such a simple approach! I cannot say thank you enough!
Thank you for the easy to follow and logical explanation. I was able to test my switches and wires discovering the problem being they were wired incorrectly.
simple and clear explanation to be understanding. I will try it same way, as you explaining, on my kitchen area because of the wrong wiring that I did. Thank you, Mr sparky again.
We have lived in our custom home for 33 years. Basement three way never worked right. After watching your video I opened them up... One wasn't even a three way switch, never to late.... off to Home Depot again.
I had a similar situation....my kitchen 3-way didn't work for at least 20 years. Finally, I got it connected correctly. Lots of satisfaction in doing it myself. Having Sparky explain how to fix it was a huge help.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. The best advice you gave was to just fix it and not try to figure out what's wrong. I fixed a decades old mis-wiring that irritated me for the longest time. In my case, not only was it wired wrong. The line wire was reversed with the white carrying the hot and the black as common. I couldn't reverse it at the source so I just labeled it clearly.
Thank you! Your description was easy to understand and worked perfectly for me. I finally understand how 3 way switches work and I was able to fix my problem.
Was pretty sure I had wired my 3-way smart switches correctly (even though they worked exactly like the situation you described) and figured there must have been another issue at hand which I'd never solve. I had always thought the satellite switch (with the load wire) was correct but that the main switch was done incorrectly. After watching your video, it occurred to me that the black load and black traveler wires had been reversed in the satellite switch. After 3+ years, I finally fixed it!! Thank you!!!!
If I wasn’t competent before.. watching this video made me competent. I have 3 switches like this that aren’t working correctly. I got a quote for $180. I’m gonna give method a shot on one of them and see if im able to do it. I’ve replaced switches before and done ceiling fans. Hopefully this almost as easy as you make it look! Thanks!
Well, there is a lot of click bait out there. It happens to me as well when I'm searching for something on YT. I'm always so happy and grateful when someone just shows me how to do it without all the hype and fluff. LOL!
Bill Thank you so much for the tutorial.i had the exact same problem with a three way switch in my house.I kept trying to figure it out why when one switch was off the other was off as well. Like you said it was just easier to trace the wires and rewire. Thanks for your help
Great video! Got my kitchen switches working after an hour of being totally lost. Should have thought of using my multimeter for continuity, that did the trick!
Very good job explaining the 3 way switch Mr sparky.. after watching your video I can finally understand how the 3 way switch circuit works.. have a wonderful day..
Another electrical wiring problem solved thanks to the Sparky Channel. I'm still scared of using the digital multimeters on AC current. I use my old small analog meter for AC voltage that I got at Walmart. I used my fancy digital meter for the continuity test 🤠 This fixed my problem with the black wires being mixed up originally. I'm thinking maybe since the house was built in my case.
@@SparkyChannel Good day Sir. I frequently look at videos and always learned something new. One question I would appreciate if you could tell me how do you do the continuity test with a multimeter if the light switches were 15 feet apart ?
Always like to rewatch and bush up on things, never hurts at all. On services calls involving 2-way switch issues: this still my fav way to diagnose and resolve switching issues; just rewire the receptacles and save yourself some time. Of course, this isn’t so bad when a single gang box, but really saves some time if dealing w/ 3 or 4 gang box and your trying to figure out what switch does what and which ones the problem. Yeah, might get lucky and see/solve it on 1st or 2nd try (if prior sparky left labels in NM jacket, but I find, that’s rare t9 be lucky); so just doing a rewire in entire box is still fastest way, imo, as can also find other issues that didn’t know was there (like a nicked wire, or wire w/ burn marks…melted insulation [which I’ve seen and that not good, no no]…for examples). Cheers Bill☺️
Thank You for a no BS to the point video on how it works so I can now go troubleshoot why all my 3way switches are not working right on my basement remodel. God Bless
Wrapping tape around switch is not necessary but with that said, its the one the best ting on this video thanks for doing that. Think safety at all times..
wrapping tape around your receptacles is very necessary when you're not confident in your work and want to make it a pain in the ass for the next electrician who has to come fix it
Thanks. Very informative. Only improvement would be to show how to test the switch or a link to such a video. But the way you explained things it's easy to figure out.
For the continuity testing I recommend the Extech CT-20. It's a nice addition to the tool bag. I twist the travellers together, or you can also put a short piece of cable sheath over them to indicate they belong together.
Hi Marcel! I own the Extech CT20 Remote and Local Continuity Tester: Amazon: amzn.to/2C4AMNK and I love it. Good tip about using a piece of sheath for wire marking! Have a great weekend!
Thank you for this excellent explanation. I used your troublshooting process to fix a friends 3-way problem. Also applied the knowledge to fixing my own three-way problem. Great video. thank you sir!
Thanks so much for doing a 3 way tutorial like you had before Bill. The best on TH-cam.
Yes, it's not Sparky Channel without a 3-Way switch video. LOL! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!!!
@@SparkyChannel I agree, you Sir… are my hero
@@desireeespinosa3954 Thanks so much!
Sir, thank you very much for this video!
You saved the day!!
Thanks alot. Your video is easy to understand.
You are the best .
I watched a whole bunch of TH-cam videos on three way switches but none helped me to fix mine until I watched yours. You are the best. Thanks!
Glad I could help!
At last after 31 years! I finally understand & can fix how the original installer crossed wires in the basement 3-way switches controlling 4 lights fixtures. THANK YOU SPARKY!!
Sir, you do a great job of explaining these electrical procedures. I think your one of the best on youtube. Keep them coming.
Thanks so much! And thank you for your service to our country!
I watched at least 10 videos on how to wire a three way switch. None could address the problem I had. Then I watched yours, and for me it was the continuity test that identified my red and black traveler wires! I performed the test exactly as you showed it and the nightmare is finally over! 🙂 Thank you so much!!
Great job! Thanks for writing in.
I've always had problems with the 3 ways, but your tutorial is the most logical and comprehensive, because of the tools you use and the logical explanation, you have a new subscriber.
Quite possibly the best 3-way switch troubleshooting explanation around. Bill, you really make identifying and correcting the problem very intuitive.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!
Best 3 way switch explanation. Very clear unlike other videos.
Thank you so much for these clear and easy-to-understand instructions! My house had FOUR three-way switch setups that were all wired wrong and I fixed them all with your help. Finally, the lights go on and off like they're supposed to!
Watched 5 or 6 videos couldn’t figure it out and stumbled upon this one after giving up for a couple weeks. You explained everything perfectly. Thank you sir!
Thank you Sparky. I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. I was able to follow along, find the line wire, test for continuity of the travelers and then isolate the load wire. Turned on the power and it works!
Way to go, great job!
This was the RIGHT way to teach this, i fixed 3 in one day thanks to this video and advice to just pull all the wires out and start marking them. One thing I don't agree with you about ---because of the cost - - is your recommendation to buy that expensive "Hot" detector pen. Instead, just use a Multimeter set on the 200 AC voltage detection setting, and affix one lead on ground wire - while you touch the other lead on all the black wires till you find power coming through. Thats LINE. No need to buy an expensive pen to use once in your lifetime.
I battled with replacing my 3 way switches for several hours before stumbling on this page. Not only did I fix the problem, but I learned some really food information on electrical wiring. This was a great tutorial!! I’m now a faithful subscriber!!
Thanks and welcome to Sparky Channel!
Thanks Sparky!
To anyone confused, just ignore the colors and follow the steps
I just fixed my long-standing problem (5+ years) by following this excellent guide
I had red/black/brown wires on one side and yellow/black/white on the other.
In my case, the red was line and the yellow was load.
Thanks Mark!
Love how he made himself chuckle at the end testing/ playing with the switches. I have been studying this for weeks and he explained it better than anyone or thing.
The “why” of it all is so helpful
I always had trouble figuring out how to fix a miss-wire in a 3-way switch, until now! Thank you Sparky. This is a great video and your demo was set up beautifully. I rewired 4 3-way switches for a customer today that hadn’t worked correctly for over 2 years. She was so happy.
I feel like a big boy now. Thumbs up to you.
Great to hear! Good job Darren!
Nice step-by-step video. 41 years ago, an electrician taught me to find the line wire as you did with a meter or now a non-voltage tester. Here is the difference at this point... install the load wire to the load side of the switch the the two travelers, one each to each screw on the switch. With the other wires separated apart in the other box, now turn on the power and use a meter, one lead to ground and then touch the other lead to each of the wires one at a time while turning on and off the other line switch to find the two traveler wires with the remaining black wire being the load wire. You can do this test quicker by using a non-voltage tester to get the same results.
Sparky always makes it look so easy and he explains in details as I am a detail-oriented individual. I always come back to refresh my trouble-shooting skill on 3-way switches after I haven't done a 3-way in a long time or when I have to fix a wrongly wired 3-way...
Excellent, thanks!
Best advice I heard to date and I am deeply appreciative! Take all wires off! Get rid of the problem, take all the wire off and start fresh. Spent a whole lot of time and your technique made a huge savings. Thank You!
Thanks so much Bret!
Even though I already knew how to do this, the video is so well done and explained I subscribed. There’s nothing better than an experienced tradesman explaining a process clearly and patiently. Thanks for representing!
Thanks so much and welcome to Sparky Channel!
With out a doubt the best video on 3 way switch’s. It’s a perfect fix. Thank you for presenting it on TH-cam.
You're welcome! Thanks so much!
Your guide is straight forward and easy for me to understand. I did cabling wrong in the first place, had no clue to fix it. Thanks so much, you are the life saver! So relived now.
Clear, concise, no stupid background music, and all my questions answered. This video, along with one I watched on how to replace the capacitor in a solar watch, are the two finest DIY/tech videos I’ve seen on TH-cam. Nice job!
Thanks so much Jack!
Basically an electrician Scotty Kilmer
Rev up your meters!
Perfect. I thought it was him when I started this video
😂 I thought the same thing!
right on the money
Yes sir 1000 respects to the man been in the trades but I still tune in to learn more can never see it too many times. Humbled thank you always!
I have a simple set of rules: When Bill posts a video, I watch and while I am watching I take notes. I do not care how many years I have done this kind of work, I always consider myself a student. Bill is a wonderful teacher. :)
Thanks so much Michael! I really appreciate it. I'm a student too and always will be. Have a great weekend!
Thank you! I bought a townhome that had a 3 way light switch on one end that someone hooked up mistakenly a single pole light switch on the other side! On the 3-way outlet side one of the wires was totally corroded! I watched some of your videos and was able to take all the wires out, use the voltage meter to see which one was "hot," and then I got a continuity tester and tested to see which were the traveler wires on the other end. I replaced both the switches and then like magic it works! I have never worked with electricity before but was able to learn to do this repair watching yours and several other videos.
Super exciting!
No doubt the best electrical teacher anywhere. Just so well explained. If you did not have a multimeter and you identified the line wire. The traveler wires should be easy to identify by looking into box and seeing that the red traveller wire has associated with it a black traveler wire that way you can through process of elimination identify the black load wire.
Thanks so much Math Man! Have a great weekend!
Bill your video was excellent. I wanted to install a 3 way smart switch however my 3 way was installed incorrectly. Per your instructions I removed all wires and started to identify the travelers, line and load. The process was perfect. I was able to successfully identify the travelers, line and load and installed the new smart switch. Thank you for your instruction. I have subscribed and look forward to future videos.
Sir, I do appreciate this video! We've had inoperative 3 ways for years. Not anymore. Well done video. Solved my problem and saved me money. Thanks!
Excellent. Glad it helped!
Sparky saved the day! Most clear explanation on TH-cam.
Glad it helped! Good job Roger!
Thank you! You just helped me fix my 3 way switch problem that has been bugging us for two years. My entire family thanks you.
Fantastic! Great job Bob! I have made another video on the subject because viewers were asking me to add a diagram. You might enjoy it as well: How to Fix 3-Way Switch Systems with Diagrams Included: th-cam.com/video/Ya08ZPbm_Y0/w-d-xo.html
Wow, what a great video. Complete and fully explained. This is exactly the problem I face after some handymen came and scrambled up the 3-way wiring. Now fixing it should be a breeze.
Great to hear!
I am studying electricity and I learn more with you than with my teacher ... thank you so much for your teachings.🙏🙏🙏🙏
It's my pleasure, thanks so much!
Okay, Believe it or not, I got this, in terms of how the switches are wired. Perfect explanation, and excellent visuals. Having seen the "How to wire a three-way switch system, this makes perfect sense. Thanks!!
Yes, the 2 videos go together as a set. Good job!
After hours of trial and error I found your video and it literally saved my day. Thank you sir for sharing that valuable information.
Good job Hugh!
I spot the problem, the first switch has the hot line wire connected to the traveler terminal , your videos are so helpful, thank you
Another timeless video for the library, Bill, thank you. I also watch all of your "Can you find the code violations" video quizzes frequently to keep sharp so I am starting to be conditioned to looking for things as I go (thanks for that as well). I did spot a discrepancy in this video. You have the shepherd's hook on the left switch mounted CCW on the ground terminal screw. Not a code violation and definitely not a problem for the circuit. I just wanted to share with you how keen many of us have become to minding the details in each and every project. Thank you for that! Looking forward to the next lesson, Sparky :)
Thanks Drew! I must have been looking at the terminal backward. LOL! Keep on keeping on! More videos coming up. :)
This is the ONLY and PROPER procedure for determining the travelers, known as a "loop back" as well as the line and load. There are several other internet methods that I have seen, all of which recommend energizing the circuit a 2nd time after jumpering particular conductors. Doing so adds a 2nd layer of danger, were the user to inadvertently become part of that path.
simply the best video i've seen! been dealing with a faulty wired 3 way for over a year since we bought our condo. your explanation was simple! the trick on isolating the travelers was the key! that and your explanation on the line/ load screws on the switches. PERFECT! God bless you sir!!!
I'm glad to be of help. Thanks Jeff!
Another problem seen with 3 way circuits is that installers run 12/2 with ground instead of 12/3 for the travellers and pick up a neutral on the load end from another circuit in a ganged switch. This causes hot neutral problems when working on either of the two circuits. The tell-tale after drywall is up (usually during a reno or addition) is the capped neutral in the line entry side switch.
Your video is quite clear and makes sense since you've labelled the romex with a Sharpie. It would have made us work harder to gain a cognitive understanding if we couldn't see the wiring, and drywall was installed; as would be the case on a service call, or punchlist, and we had to do a schematic circuit analysis. It could be simply my learning style or experience level. I work on much more complex systems (I'm an elevator repairman) and I need to see a schematic first. Just Food for thought. Thank you for your informative videos! Great channel!!
Interesting. I haven’t encountered that but your observation is good to be aware of. Txs.
If they haven’t installed all the wires then it can’t be easily fixed.
Doing this in my residential wiring lab. And I got confused on which wires go to the common on the 3 way switches this helped a lot. 👍🏻
Glad it helped!
Thanks for your teaching personality. I’ve been struggling with this for a couple of days and just could not understand how it works. But I followed your explanation and now it’s working !! You made it so much easier to follow. Thanks again
Excellent, glad it helped!
Remarkably helpful and thorough! Made so much sense, and saved me countless hours trying to figure out two 3-way switch setups. Really...Thank you!!!!
Great to hear! Thanks!
Best teacher i ever see. So simple the way he explains it with lots of different scenarios.
Thanks so much!
Best troubleshooting video I've ever seen and super clear in explanation. As always, I can always count on Sparky Channel videos when I ran into a problem. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much Vin!
Yes. So awesome that you redid this one. It was hugely helpful to me in the past.
It's back! I lost the original 3-Way switch video to the hacker but this video is even better. :) Thanks Mike!
Amazing explanation.
I personally always flip the travelers on one of the switches. I like both switches down or both switches up when the light is off; and when the light is on the two switches will be opposite.
This is without a doubt the simplest and most commonly used 3 way configuration today, although several variations exist and may have been used to save wire.
In homes pre-1950s particularly farmhouses with a yardlight between the house and outbuilding controlled by 3 way switches with power on both sides using only 3 wires in between, or a single conductor overhead from the house and outbuilding to the light with the switches fed by two different circuits/panels, they would connect the hot and neutral to the travellers where they can then jump to other receptacles, etc and the light is switched on the commons, the light is turns on when it gets a hot and neutral, turns off when it gets two neutrals or two hots on the same phase. I ran across this a while back on a farmhouse wired in the late 1940s when electricity became available to the property.
Man Thank you so much . You been my teacher before I even finished school. Wish you the best 👌
Glad I could help! Best wishes!
First person to clearly show this problem and correction.
You make what can be a complicated topic easy to understand. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you for your videos.
This is an absolutely excellent explanation for diagnosing and correcting the wiring errors that can make the three way circuit not function. Clear directions for testing for live and travelers were the solutions to my partially functioning circuit. Thank you Sparky.
You are welcome!
That is the best 3-way switch video I have ever seen. It all make sense now. Really simple.
Huge Thankyou Sparky, Ive been struggling with replacing/updating light switches on one 3 way circuit. With your video and your technique I was able to fix this once and for all. Nicely Done!!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MY ANGEL!! I have never done anything with electrical switches or outlets (afraid to but have a problem and no money or anyone else to help me). I have had so much trouble and pretty serious and dangerous situtions and recently an electrical business came in and rewired most of my small old 1970 trailer by running wires thru conduit and the metal boxes that stick out from the wall (they could not access underneath or thru the walls) and there have been a lot of problems since then and there is a dispute between us so they are not coming back to fix what needs fixing and so far I still owe them a lot of money....with that being said... they put in a 3- way switch for a kitchen ceiling light and well within a month increasingly I would try to turn off the light and it would pop back on right away and it takes a lot time of continuous hitting the switch with different timing to make it go off and stay off (it is the rectangular one with the square at the top and bottom to operate it and sorry I don't know all the proper terms), anyway, I am hoping it is a simple fix that I can do like what you showed here. Have ANY others ideas or suggestions if I am wrong, I would really appreciate them. THANK YOU! LOVE HOW YOU SHOW AND EXPLAIN AND MAKE IT CLEAR AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND!!
Now I understand three way switches. Best explanation I’ve seen! Thanks!!
Just wanted to thank you you and this video were a lifesaver this is the most comprehensive and easy to understand video I've watched
You're very welcome! Thanks!
Thank you, thank you... THANK YOU!
My elusive three way switch problem is in the rear view mirror. Such a simple approach! I cannot say thank you enough!
Glad it helped! Great job!
Thank you for the easy to follow and logical explanation. I was able to test my switches and wires discovering the problem being they were wired incorrectly.
simple and clear explanation to be understanding. I will try it same way, as you explaining, on my kitchen area because of the wrong wiring that I did. Thank you, Mr sparky again.
Thanks Kim!
Trying to learn some basic electrical work and did not know in a 3 way switch only one will have a line wire. Thank you for this video.
Thank you! Your video has been the best I found on TH-cam that explains how to troubleshoot 3-way switches.
Thanks Ali!
THIS is how to make a TH-cam tutorial 👏! Thank you, this was so clear and well done!
We have lived in our custom home for 33 years. Basement three way never worked right. After watching your video I opened them up... One wasn't even a three way switch, never to late.... off to Home Depot again.
I had a similar situation....my kitchen 3-way didn't work for at least 20 years. Finally, I got it connected correctly. Lots of satisfaction in doing it myself. Having Sparky explain how to fix it was a huge help.
Best electrical explanation and demonstrations in TH-cam. Excellent
Thanks so much!
This is the best explanation I have ever found for three way switches. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. The best advice you gave was to just fix it and not try to figure out what's wrong. I fixed a decades old mis-wiring that irritated me for the longest time. In my case, not only was it wired wrong. The line wire was reversed with the white carrying the hot and the black as common. I couldn't reverse it at the source so I just labeled it clearly.
Great job!
I wish I would’ve found this sooner. I now have a working 3-way. Thanks so much!
These videos are so well done. Thank you for giving such clear, concise information!
Thanks Alex!
Thank you! Your description was easy to understand and worked perfectly for me. I finally understand how 3 way switches work and I was able to fix my problem.
Was pretty sure I had wired my 3-way smart switches correctly (even though they worked exactly like the situation you described) and figured there must have been another issue at hand which I'd never solve. I had always thought the satellite switch (with the load wire) was correct but that the main switch was done incorrectly. After watching your video, it occurred to me that the black load and black traveler wires had been reversed in the satellite switch. After 3+ years, I finally fixed it!! Thank you!!!!
If I wasn’t competent before.. watching this video made me competent.
I have 3 switches like this that aren’t working correctly.
I got a quote for $180. I’m gonna give method a shot on one of them and see if im able to do it.
I’ve replaced switches before and done ceiling fans. Hopefully this almost as easy as you make it look!
Thanks!
You can do it!
Finally found the correct video, THANKS. I googled 3 way and while the results were interesting, it was NOT the video I was looking for.
Well, there is a lot of click bait out there. It happens to me as well when I'm searching for something on YT. I'm always so happy and grateful when someone just shows me how to do it without all the hype and fluff. LOL!
Bill
Thank you so much for the tutorial.i had the exact same problem with a three way switch in my house.I kept trying to figure it out why when one switch was off the other was off as well.
Like you said it was just easier to trace the wires and rewire.
Thanks for your help
Great video! Got my kitchen switches working after an hour of being totally lost. Should have thought of using my multimeter for continuity, that did the trick!
My pleasure!
Very good job explaining the 3 way switch Mr sparky.. after watching your video I can finally understand how the 3 way switch circuit works.. have a wonderful day..
Thanks Salvador!
AWESOME!
Have the same problem.
Just replace a new switch... but 1hr later i CAN'T figure out the problem.
This help me alot. 😁😁😁
Glad it helped!
Another electrical wiring problem solved thanks to the
Sparky Channel. I'm still scared of using the digital multimeters on AC current. I use my old small analog meter for AC voltage that I got at Walmart. I used my fancy digital meter for the continuity test 🤠 This fixed my problem with the black wires being mixed up originally. I'm thinking maybe since the house was built in my case.
Followed your instructions. They were so easy to understand and finally after messing with this for a couple of years got it right. Awesome. Thanks
Glad it helped! Good job Kevin!
WOW, very well explained, I will try this to see if I can fix my son's 3 way issue. You are an excellent teacher!
You can do it! Thanks Dave!
I watch a lot of videos but your channel is self-explanatory that's how easy u make it look. l
Thanks so much!
Best explanation I have ever heard
Just wired up a new 3 way light, thank you so much sparky, your videos helped me do the whole thing🙂🙂
Nice work! That's great!
@@SparkyChannel Good day Sir. I frequently look at videos and always learned something new. One question I would appreciate if you could tell me how do you do the continuity test with a multimeter if the light switches were 15 feet apart ?
Best 3-way video on TH-cam.
The continuity test was a great idea. Great video! I can't wait to finally fix this issue in my own home!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
When I bought my house I had the same problem in 2 different locations. Good educational video thank you!!!
Yes, it's actually quite common. Thanks so much!
Thank you SO MUCH! This was the first tutorial I watched that was easy to follow. You’re a great teacher 😄
Thanks so much. Best wishes Emily!
Always like to rewatch and bush up on things, never hurts at all.
On services calls involving 2-way switch issues: this still my fav way to diagnose and resolve switching issues; just rewire the receptacles and save yourself some time. Of course, this isn’t so bad when a single gang box, but really saves some time if dealing w/ 3 or 4 gang box and your trying to figure out what switch does what and which ones the problem. Yeah, might get lucky and see/solve it on 1st or 2nd try (if prior sparky left labels in NM jacket, but I find, that’s rare t9 be lucky); so just doing a rewire in entire box is still fastest way, imo, as can also find other issues that didn’t know was there (like a nicked wire, or wire w/ burn marks…melted insulation [which I’ve seen and that not good, no no]…for examples).
Cheers Bill☺️
Cheers! I agree!
THANK YOU!!!!
Was having the exact same problem.....followed the perfectly explained steps here to fix it. Outstanding video!
Glad it helped!
As always Professor Sparky, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT!!! Thank U SOOOOO MUCH for sharing your knowledge with us DIY'ers!
You are very welcome, thanks!
Thank you for this video, it helped me quickly fix a 3-way switch problem in our house.
Glad it helped!
Thank You for a no BS to the point video on how it works so I can now go troubleshoot why all my 3way switches are not working right on my basement remodel. God Bless
You're welcome and best wishes!
Wrapping tape around switch is not necessary but with that said, its the one the best ting on this video thanks for doing that. Think safety at all times..
Thanks Rick!
wrapping tape around your receptacles is very necessary when you're not confident in your work and want to make it a pain in the ass for the next electrician who has to come fix it
Tape covering contacts on multiple sw is a pain in the ass to remove? That speaks volumes right there.
Thanks. Very informative. Only improvement would be to show how to test the switch or a link to such a video. But the way you explained things it's easy to figure out.
You’re explanation of these electrical questions are the best!!! Thank you 😊
Thanks Henry!
Your video finally helped me solve the misconfigured wiring. Thank you!
Excellent!
For the continuity testing I recommend the Extech CT-20. It's a nice addition to the tool bag. I twist the travellers together, or you can also put a short piece of cable sheath over them to indicate they belong together.
Hi Marcel! I own the Extech CT20 Remote and Local Continuity Tester: Amazon: amzn.to/2C4AMNK
and I love it. Good tip about using a piece of sheath for wire marking! Have a great weekend!
I like the tip about connecting the two travel wires together to check continuity, easy to understand great video.
Thank you so very much for all your tutorials,
I really appreciate it and I’m sure there are many more out there who feel the same as I do.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for this excellent explanation. I used your troublshooting process to fix a friends 3-way problem. Also applied the knowledge to fixing my own three-way problem. Great video. thank you sir!
Fantastic! Great job!